A Japan Airlines flight was forced to make a rapid descent of nearly 26,000 feet, causing oxygen masks to deploy as panic gripped passengers, according to the Associated Press (AP).

The terrifying mid-air emergency occurred on June 30 when the flight, operating under a codeshare between Japan Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary Spring Japan (Flight JL8696/IJ004), was en route from Shanghai Pudong Airport, China, to Tokyo Narita Airport, Japan.

There were 191 passengers and crew members onboard when the Boeing 737 suffered a sudden mechanical failure, plunging from 36,000 feet to just under 10,500 feet within 10 minutes, AP reported.

Passengers described the sheer panic onboard as oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling. One told AP, “I heard a muffled boom, and the oxygen mask fell off in a few seconds. The stewardess cried and shouted to put on the oxygen mask, saying the plane had a malfunction."

Another passenger recounted waking up in shock, saying, “Suddenly, all the oxygen masks popped open while I was sleeping." A third described being on the verge of tears, writing out their will and jotting down their insurance and bank card PINs, fearing the worst.

Footage captured during the incident showed panicked passengers clutching oxygen masks as a flight attendant made urgent announcements. Fortunately, the plane stabilised after the emergency descent and landed safely.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the mid-air depressurisation, and Japan Airlines has issued an apology while promising a thorough review of the mechanical failure.